Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits and is now available to people out of work or on a low income in every jobcentre in the country.

The benefit is paid once a month in place of income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

The Department for Work and Pensions believe this new benefit will help people to find work and further support those on a low income.

Here are five reasons why the DWP believe Universal Credit will help claimants to find work

• You don’t need to make a new claim if your temporary job comes to an end, so it’s easier to take short-term jobs as a stepping stone into work.

• You don’t have to worry about losing out if you work more than 16 hours a week – with Universal Credit there is no limit on the number of hours you can work. • Your payments will adjust automatically with your change in income – the amount you receive will reduce gradually the more you earn, making sure you’re better off in work.

• On Universal Credit you’ll have a dedicated work coach to help you find a job, increase your hours and progress in work – support that stays with you even once you have a job.

• If you’re a parent, Universal Credit can help with the cost of childcare. You can claim back up to 85 per cent of your paid out childcare costs, and this support is available for a month before and after you’re working to help make short-term jobs a better option.

The DWP has further advised: “If you’re already claiming other benefits you don’t need to do anything. You’ll be told if Universal Credit is going to affect you. However, if your circumstances change you may find that you need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead of continuing with your current benefit.”